Texts in Conversation
Sirach 51 presents wisdom as a lifelong companion sought from youth, bringing guidance and delight to the one who follows her. 1 Enoch likewise personifies wisdom, though it portrays her as leaving the earth when rejected, contrasting with Sirach’s emphasis on faithful pursuit.
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Sirach 51:15
Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus
Deuterocanon
13 While I was still young, before I went on my travels, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. 14 Before the temple I asked for her, and I will search for her until the end. 15 From the first blossom to the ripening grape my heart delighted in her; my foot walked on the straight path; from my youth I followed her steps. 16 I inclined my ear a little and received her, and I found for myself much instruction. 17 I made progress in her; to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.
Date: 195-175 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
1 Enoch 42:3
Pseudepigrapha
1 Wisdom found no place where she might dwell; then a dwelling-place was assigned to her in the heavens. 2 Wisdom went forth to make her dwelling among the children of men, and found no dwelling-place: Wisdom returned to her place, and took her seat among the angels. 3 And unrighteousness went forth from her chambers: whom she did not seek, she found, and dwelt with them, like rain in a desert and dew on a thirsty land.
Date: 200-50 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
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Notes and References
"... The antithetical pairing of Wisdom as a woman with the wicked woman is traditional and occurs in Israelite, Hellenistic, and early Christian literature. The figure of Iniquity as a wicked woman is especially close at hand in 4Q184, and elements of the description are contrastingly reminiscent of Sirach 51:13-22 and especially its Hebrew counterpart in 11QPs xxxi.11-17 ..."
Nickelsburg, George W. E.
A Commentary on the Book of 1 Enoch Chapters 37-82
(p. 140) Fortress Press, 2012
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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